Every time Staff Sgt. Nicole Pearson meets with an Airman as part of her job as a substance abuse counselor, she has the chance to perhaps change a course of that Airman's life.

Those opportunities are things that excite Pearson and keep her passion burning for the job at McChord Field's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program.

Pearson's leadership is well aware of that passion.

The 25-year-old 62nd Medical Squadron Airman was recently selected as Air Mobility Command's nominee for the 2011 Geico Military Service Award in the Drug and Alcohol Prevention category.

The Geico Military Service Awards Program spotlights the valuable and lasting contributions enlisted members of the Armed Forces make in three specific areas of endeavor, including drug and alcohol abuse prevention, fire safety and fire prevention and traffic safety and accident prevention. Individuals are selected based on recent contributions or noteworthy accomplishments in one of the areas of endeavor while serving on active-duty or in the Reserves or National Guard.

"Initially I was surprised and proud," said the Pelican Rapids, Minn., native when she heard about the nomination. "It's definitely nice to be acknowledged."

As a substance abuse counselor, Pearson sees Airmen sent to the program because of an alcohol-related incident. While the ADAPT program does not handle any punitive actions, Airman can still be in a fragile state when they come in to see Pearson.

"You don't know what the member is going through in their life at that time," Pearson said. "Sometimes it can be challenging getting them to open up."

The objectives of the ADAPT Program are to promote readiness, health and wellness through the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, minimize the negative consequences to the individual, family, and organization and provide comprehensive education and treatment to individuals who experience problems attributed to the abuse.

On a more personal note, being empathic to each Airman's situation and being a good listener is key to helping them get the proper treatment they need, Pearson said.

"It's about being able to establish a rapport," she said. "I enjoy the personal care aspect of the job. It's great to be able to provide Airmen with the tools to treat whatever they're going through."

Pearson, an Air Force brat whose father is a retired chief master sergeant, has been at McChord for about four years. She's been in the Mental Health sector of the Air Force since she enlisted five years ago, and hopes to continue her work as a counselor after her military career is over.

"I really enjoy helping people," Pearson said.

Pearson will now compete at the Air Force level for the award. The Geico awards honor one enlisted member from each military service branch and one member from the Reserve/National Guard component. Each recipient receives a $2,500 cash honorarium.

"I'm hoping for the best," she said.